Just another gimmick from a party with no credibility on defence. £10bn wouldn't even touch the sides for a complete UK-wide 'Iron Dome'. The Tories need to review their dodgy sums or be honest about which parts of the country their Patchwork Dome wouldn’t cover. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Tories pledge £10bn British 'Iron Dome' air defence system

The Conservatives say their plan would protect the UK at a time when Nato allies have warned of Russian drone incursions.

bbc.co.uk

We need to elect politicians who follow the science. Here are my thoughts following the recent screening of the National Climate Emergency Briefing.

It’s brilliant the PM has recognised the issues Lib Dems have campaigned on for so long are central to fixing our country & growing our economy. As a result of his speech, social care, closer ties with EU and PR are now firmly in the political mainstream, which is exactly where we want them to be.

It was absolutely brilliant to organise a screening of @nebriefing.bsky.social with local climate action groups at Winchester Science Centre. The message is clear: the more we delay in taking action on the climate crisis, the greater the cost. We need politicians who believe in science.

When villagers have monitored speeds for years, have collated the data and even devised speed-calming measures, those in power ought to be receptive to their ideas. I spoke to the BBC about speeding concerns in local villages following my summer tour, which you can read more about here:

Should Hampshire villagers set their own speed limit?

One MP has called for villages to have a greater say over the speed limits on their roads

bbc.co.uk

People's Emergency Briefing Local MP, @dannychambers.bsky.social , introducing a showing of the National Emergency Briefing film. www.nebriefing.org I recommend going to watch it.

Over the summer, lots of people spoke to me about their concerns about speed limits. Local communities are monitoring speeds and consistently raising concerns, with the fear that a serious accident will happen before they are taken seriously. Find my interview with BBC Radio Solent here:

We need an economy that works for everyone. Part of this has to come from fixing the social care crisis so that everyone can live in dignity and security later in life. Find me talking about this on BBC South recently here:

An absolute joy to visit Twyford School today, just in time for assembly. We debated and voted on whether students should go to school on Fridays, spoke about the House of Commons and the House of Lords and life in Parliament. Thank you for your brilliant questions!

Farmers have compared accessing this portal like trying to get Oasis tickets. Let's be frank: food security is national security and when a government repeatedly undermines farmers, the cost falls on each of us. Find the letter from the Liberal Democrats below:

Infection is the second leading cause of death among people with cancer, after the cancer itself. So why does the Government's National Cancer Plan only mention it once, in the foreword? You can find my letter to the Minister here:

No one with a full-time job should have to turn to a food bank. In-work poverty is all too common and that has to change.

Britain feels broken because it is being held back. People feel powerless, and they can't hold the powerful to account. Liberal Democrats want to change our politics so that, together, we can fix our country.

Yesterday, funds for the Government's Sustainable Farming Incentive ran out in just 6 hours. Farmers are being left saddled with debt with no support from the Government. If you are a constituent and have been affected by this, I want to hear from you.

National security, food security and energy security are all linked. If we are serious about building resilience during a time of such turbulent geopolitics and extreme weather, we have to tackle these issues holistically. Find my answer from BBC South here:

The Liberal Democrat conference comes to a close today - and what a weekend it has been! Every year, it is great to catch up with as many charities as possible.

🟠 THIS SUNDAY: Join us, @dannychambers.bsky.social, @normanlamb.bsky.social, @drladesmith.bsky.social, @julia-ellingwood.bsky.social and @michael-sanders.bsky.social at the Liberal Democrats' conference in Brighton to discuss shifting mental health policy towards prevention-first solutions.

Farming communities are facing immense challenges at the moment be it through trade deals, climate change or lack of government support. Jess is doing a half-Ironman to raise money for RABI, an incredible charity that supports farmers. ironman703weymouth.gofundraise.co.uk/page/Jessica...

Sepsis is the second biggest killer of cancer patients. Yet infection is only mentioned once in the National Cancer Plan. We need more diagnostic tests so we can protect vulnerable patients.

We know that people who abuse animals are much more likely to harm others. For 25 years, the Links Group have been raising awareness of this. If we are serious about protecting victims of domestic abuse, we have to pick up on these early identifiers.

It was such a joy to host @dannychambers.bsky.social this weekend as we held two different animal welfare events here in Dorset. Our public Q&A was particularly brilliant with 40+ of you who came to join us in a discussion that ranged from ending animal testing, to dog breeding, to climate change.

The student loan system is broken. With the system as it is, by 2031, the student loan repayment threshold would effectively align with the minimum wage. That is not sustainable - nor is it fair. Very proud to sponsor this important Bill from my colleague, Tom Gordon MP.

Water companies have gotten away with hiking bills, dumping sewage and paying their shareholders for too long. Let's call it what it is: ecological vandalism. It is completely unacceptable that our chalk streams and wildlife are being put at risk.

It's been a particularly tough year for British Farming, with a record wet winter, a drought and a disease outbreak. My colleague @alisonebennett.bsky.social and I joined the NFU event in parliament to discuss farming, agriculture and food security.

'Vaccines have saved hundreds of millions of lives, eradicated diseases, prevented lifelong disability, protected our livestock and reduced our dependence on antibiotics. Perhaps the greatest problem with vaccines is that they are a victim of their own success.' Read more on my latest Substack:

Vaccines: a vestibule for misinformation?

Science provides solutions, answers and evidence. Politics determines whether they are used.

dannychambers.substack.com

Chalk streams are incredibly beautful and vital ecosystems for local wildlife like Atlantic Salmon. They need proper protections if we are to ensure that they remain for future generations. Find the letter from the new Chalk Streams All Party Parliamentary Group in the comments:

Frontline workers see unimaginable scenes day-in, day-out. They ought to have our full support with their mental health. I met with the Minister for Policing and Crime to share a brilliant app that supports police officers who are struggling with their mental health due to their work.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. I know from losing my own friends and colleagues how suicide can affect each and every one of us. If you are in need of support, speak to loved ones or reach out to a charity like the Samaritans on 116 123.

Hospital wards across the country reached unbearable and dangerous temperatures over the summer. As part of a much bigger backlog of repairs for Winchester Hospital, we need to ensure that aircon and temperature regulation is in place to manage infection and keep patients and stafe safe.

The ongoing violence in the West Bank is horrifying. From attacks on locals to the stealing of livestock. All this violence threatens a two state solution. While the government bans trade with illegal settlements, I warned that we must keep sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers under review.